Blackberry Beach

Fiction. Romance. Christian Fiction. Actress Katherine Parker is on the cusp of achieving the kind of career success she'd always dreamed of. But a visit to Hope Harbor for some much-needed R&R�??and an unexpected partnership with a handsome local coffee shop owner�??may cause her to rethink her ambitions and open her heart to a new

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LibraryThing member cyncie

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon is another inspirational and interesting read in her Hope Harbor series. Zack and Katherine meet when she escapes the Hollywood scene to consider what she wants to do with her life. There is a secondary romance in this book, that I enjoyed even more, that of Zach's

aunt. The spiritual references were comforting and reflective.

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LibraryThing member polarmath

Another great story from Hope Harbor. Katherine is ready to find out what exactly she is looking for as she travels to Hope Harbor. She is feeling overwhelmed when she should be on top of the world and Hope Harbor should be exactly what she needs. While there she gets teamed up with Zach to help

out some children. It is always interesting to see how two people who don't want to do something interact with each other. They soon find themselves working together to help out some children and find that they are more alike than they first believed.

I received a copy of the book to read, the review is mine.

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LibraryThing member koalamom

There is no problem so insurmountable that talking it out won't help. Five people's lives were changed because they finally talked about what was bothering them. You just need to trust someone and let them help.

It had been a while since I was able to finish a book in one day - this was one.

LibraryThing member CoverLoverBookReview

Love. Love. Love.

You can't go wrong with an Irene Hannon book.

I love the characters who feel authentic.
I love the author's writing style.
I love Hope Harbor and the community that lives there.
I enjoyed Katherine's search for happiness and Zach's pursuit of healing.
I'm sated by stories centering

on HOME.

I'm thankful Librarything early reviewers provided me a complimentary copy!

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LibraryThing member gincam

I am a happy reader--back in author Irene Hannon's much-loved "Hope Harbor Series" with Book Seven, "Blackberry Beach". It's always a pleasure to meet new arrivals and to catch up with longtime residents. Hope Harbor wouldn't be the same without Charley--wise, perceptive friend-to-all--a talented

artist and fish taco maker without equal. His feathered friends, Gladys and Floyd keep watch over the town and its inhabitants and offer their own insights from a bird's-eye view. Zach Garrett, owner of the coffee shop, "The Perfect Blend", is intrigued by beautiful and elusive newcomer Kat Morgan, who seems immune to his overtures of friendship. A meeting on Blackberry Beach, when the blackberries are ripe and at their peak, reveals that the two are neighbors. Zach's homemade blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream seems to melt some of Kat's resistance. TV and film star Katherine Parker has retreated to Hope Harbor to recover from a series of devastating events and to decide where her future lies. Zach, whose response to a life-changing loss was to completely change his career and habitat, was mostly content with his days--even if he was starting to miss caring companionship. Fate conspires to bring them together to work on a community project to benefit foster children, and their awareness and attraction continues to grow. Katherine is on the verge of a major career breakthrough--a starring role in a feature film that could launch her into super stardom--but is that what she really wants? Zach's change of careers caused a serious rift with his father. Can Zach now open his heart to forgive past hurts and take a chance on a new life filled with the promise of love and happiness? Where there is faith, there is always hope--and hope is the guiding light through the most difficult of times. Highly recommended for lovers of inspirational romance.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books

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LibraryThing member PamelaBarrett

I started reading Blackberry Beach and thought I’d read it already because it seemed familiar and there was a character I recognized then it hit me that a few years ago I read another of Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series. Well that’s why this character felt like an old friend. So now I want

to catch up with the other books. This story is classic; a young actress hiding in a small oceanside town in Oregon where she is hoping no one recognizes her, meets an attractive man who owns a coffeehouse. He doesn’t know who she is, but he is interested and wondering if she needs a friend. There is one person who knows, but he’s not sharing her secrets.

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LibraryThing member murphy430

I have other Irene Hannon books the mystery ones and really liked them. This is the first romance one that I read
and found it to be just as good as the other series.

LibraryThing member PDianeB

Once again, Irene Hannon does not disappoint. Blackberry Beach, the latest in her Hope Harbor series is such a good read. It’s not necessary to read the books in this series in order, but it is nice to see characters from earlier books. The story includes estranged relationships, people not

looking for love (but finding it), and people having to make difficult decisions. I’ve read this entire series and always look forward to the next one. Hope Harbor (which takes place on the Oregon coast) is one of those places I wish really existed…what a great place to visit…or live.

I received a free e-book from Revell Books (a division of Baker Publishing Group) through LibraryThing in exchange for an unbiased review.

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LibraryThing member khiemstra631

Irene Hannon has added another winner to her Hope Harbor series. Familiar characters Charley, the taco man/artist, and the minister and the priest continue their every book appearances, along with Floyd and Gladys, the seagulls. In this installment, coffee shop owner Zachary and a mysterious woman,

Kat, who has rented the short-term vacation home next door to him, debate whether the time is right for a romance between them. Also, Zach's aunt comes to visit from New York City and faces a similar dilemma with one of Zach's baristas. The other side story involves Zach and his father, who have been estranged for several years because of Zach's career switch from a high-power, high-salaried businessman to the owner/proprietor of his own coffee bar. Resolution comes to all of these situations over the course of the book in the pleasant, relaxed way that readers have come to expect in the Hope Harbor series. All in all, Irene Hannon has given us all aother wonderful read. (I had an ARC copy provided by LibraryThing on which to base this review.)

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LibraryThing member alekee

Oh, how I love being back in Hope Harbor, Oregon, it's a comforting ideal place, that feels so welcoming. Charlie is here with his fish taco's, and boy would I love to try them! We also meet back with some other characters from previous books, but this can be read alone, but the others are equally

good!

With this book we are gifted with those fish taco's, but also yummy coffee and then to die for chocolate truffles. I loved the way the author brought the previous characters back for a cameo using their products in those truffles!

We are given some sweet romance, one couple are seasoned citizen's trying to decided if they want to embrace "love", will they be unfaithful to a deceased spouse, and then a younger couple, one has left the rat race of a power job, and the other is running from a Hollywood scandal.

Yes, this quickly becomes a page turner, I needed answers! When all is said and done, I wanted to continue on in the lives of these people, and wouldn't mind staying in Hope Harbor!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

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LibraryThing member starbritejan

Irene Hannon did not disappoint. This is a great story of love, forgiveness, hope and a second chance for a different and better life. 5 stars from me

LibraryThing member RobbyeFaye

Irene Hannon’s newest Hope Harbor story (releasing April 6th) is Blackberry Beach. Even though I didn’t know this was part of a series, it still works well as a standalone.

Hope Harbor “harbors” the picturesque and enchanting Blackberry Beach, home to several idiosyncratic and unconventional

people and birds. Needless to say, they were some of my favorite characters!

I would love to stop in at The Perfect Blend coffee shop and talk with the owner, Zach Garrett, and sample his fantastic blends and desserts. And, oh my, Charlie, the owner of the fish taco stand! Hannon has created a must-visit, perfect friend. Can you guess that I would love to live there?

Kat, the mystery woman, piques everyone’s interest, especially Zach’s, and uses her wonderful culinary skill to create blackberry and blackberry lavender truffles. So, is Kat a chocolatier? Why is she in Hope Harbor, and what is she hiding?

Hannon is amazingly skilled at creating a place you want to visit and characters you would love to have as friends. Not to mention, she leaves you starving for treats from the Perfect Blend, Kat’s chocolates and fish tacos, even though I have never really cared for fish tacos.

As you can see, Blackberry Beach features mystery and intrigue, along with romance and wonderful doses of Biblical insight.

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Revell through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews.

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LibraryThing member ecataldi

Admittedly - I've not read the first six books in the Hope Harbor series, but that didn't make this book any less enjoyable or harder to understand. Kat has escaped from LA to the beautiful and sleepy community of Hope Harbor to "hide out" and re-evaluate what she wants out of her life. She's fresh

off a tragedy and scandal and she's hoping she can fly under the radar. What she doesn't expect to do is catch the eye of the charming coffee shop owner who just so happens to be her neighbor. From the moment she walks into his shop hiding behind her sunglasses, Zach is smitten. He wants to get to know her better and in the process he will find out that they have more in common then they thought. They both have baggage and they both have done abrupt life changes - but is that what Kat wants? Can he convince her to stay? Predictable, but nice relaxing fluff.

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LibraryThing member JKJ94

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon takes us to Hope Harbor where Katherine comes to relax and contemplate her future. Zach, Hope Harbor’s barista and coffee shop owner, A sweet man with no prospects in his dating life meets Kat and the sparks fly. Blackberry Beach explores loss and grief, family

conflict and reconciliation and healing. I did enjoy this book though it did move a bit slow in some spots. All in all, it was a good read for being the 7th book in the Hope Harbor series, however it can be read as a standalone.

I would like to thank Revell for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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LibraryThing member lamb521

Title: Blackberry Beach (A Hope Harbor Novel #7)
Author: Irene Hannon
Pages: 352
Year: 2020
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Have you ever read a series that captured your imagination and heart? I have, and the Hope Harbor series books are where my heart enjoys beating. For those who are not

aware of this series, let me give you the book titles beginning with Hope Harbor, continuing with Sea Rose Lane, Sandpiper Cove, Pelican Point, Driftwood Bay, Starfish Pier, and now Blackberry Beach. Each book brings hope and longing to those willing to sit and allow their imagination to take them to different places. Each book can be read separately but I have enjoyed reading this series from the first book to the most recent, with anticipation for her next one in 2022.
Blackberry Beach is a tale of broken dreams, pressure to perform and lost or unfilled longings of the soul. We meet a new visitor to Hope Harbor, Katherine Parker, a young woman whose career has reached new heights and brings on the horizon the promise of more. Yet, is this really what Katherine wants out of life or can there be more?
Zach Garrett left behind the rush and hectic lifestyle, and the expectations and demand of his father to pursue a dream. Now, in Hope Harbor, he is working to fulfill that dream and meeting new friends each day he opens his coffee shop. A new neighbor has moved in and the walls around her heart are thick. She is hiding but from what or who Zach has no idea.
Once again, the author has penned a memorable novel that stirs the imagination as well as the heart of readers. It is fun to return to a well-known fictional place where fish tacos, two seagulls and friendship bloom. Each book in the series has touched my heart in some way. One of my favorite characters is Charlie who runs the taco stand but has such insight into people it takes one’s breath away.
So, pick up a copy and come away to a quiet place for a little while and enjoy the scenery at Blackberry Beach.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

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LibraryThing member macnoid

Blackberry Beach is book 7 in the Hope Harbor series, by Irene Hannon. Even though I haven't read any of the other books in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! So I will definitely be starting on the 'backstory' starting with book 1 very soon. Having read other books by this author, I knew

it would probably be a good read, even before I started it, and I wasn't disappointed.
One thing I enjoy about so many novels is 'experiencing' through the characters things you may never experience in your own life...and gaining some perspective about what other people have gone through. Yes, it's fiction, but there are so many ways a person can react to situations, so many choices in life! It was refreshing to explore how life changes can be possible if what you are doing is making you miserable. I liked the reminders that you CAN choose to unplug and learn to enjoy the little things in life that in reality are the most important things! The characters in the book are at different stages in their lives, but the blending of similar experiences and how they coped, the choices they made and why....and being able to share and connect with each other, helping each other, was very special. It also reminds us that sometimes we need to be more open, more caring with those around us. Charely, the fish taco guy, is such a person. So insightful, so caring and helpful, looking at the big picture, and just enjoying life! Everyone should have someone like Charley in their life!
I enjoyed the story line as it progressed, I enjoyed the characters, and how things turned out in the end.....and was happy to see a note at the end saying there would be another book coming out in the series!

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LibraryThing member WillowOne

Blackberry Beach is from the Hope Harbor series and since I have never read a book from this author, Irene Hannon, or the series I will say it can be a stand alone. I had some trouble with the beginning. I felt it was slow moving and I found that my interest was not being held by scene, character,

or writing. I stuck with it and somewhere close to the half way point it seemed like the writing changed and I started to take interest in the characters and their back stories. By 3/4ths of the way through I was hooked and wanted to know what would happen to Katherine and Zach.
I was chosen by Library Thing Early Reviewers to read this book and write an honest review.

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LibraryThing member JenniferRobb

I've read other books by Irene Hannon. For the most part, I like her books. I have liked enough of them, that I've put most of her past titles on my TBR list.

I like Hope Harbor. It sounds like a quaint little town (which may not be so little for very long since so many people seem to come to visit

and then end up falling in love with it and staying). People there seem to like interacting with each other. I can see why Katherine might choose it as a peaceful place to try to get her head around some issues and make decisions.

Likes:

*Stephanie reconnecting with her brother and nephew. And convincing her nephew to try again to repair his relationship with his father.

*That Zach and his father do reconcile (even if they still don't necessarily agree on everything).

Dislikes:

*The author hints that Katherine has some reason she's trying to go incognito in Hope Harbor--but there are a few too many hints before we learn what that is for my taste.

*Not one but two couples end up engaged after knowing each other for only a short time. Now, you could argue that Frank, having experienced true love and a marriage once before, might recognize the feeling, but the others you can't say that about. (This is quite common within this genre, but I do worry that some readers might get a skewed view of romance from a steady diet of these books and think that they could know someone for only a few months, get married, and live happily ever after with little effort. )

*Some of the plot was a bit predictable (not just the romance which is a given in this genre, but who the houseparents would end up being for example).

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LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon is the 7th A Hope Harbor Novel. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I did find Blackberry Beach to be a slow starter. I had a difficult time getting into the story. I think it would have been beneficial if the reason for Katherine being in

Hope Harbor had been revealed earlier. Once I was about halfway through, I found the tale more appealing and my interest began to be engaged. I enjoyed the descriptions of the beach, the town, and Katherine’s chocolate creations. Hope Harbor is a charming town with friendly residents. I especially liked Charley and the seagulls (Floyd and Gladys). I appreciated the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the storylines. This is a nice, clean Christian romance (no intimate situations or bad language). Three of the themes in Blackberry Beach of second chances, forgiveness, and redemption. It was great that there was a later in life romance (gives me hope). This is a Christian tale that is never preachy. I like how the author incorporated Faith and God into the story. Blackberry Beach is a good book to read while relaxing by the pool.

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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie

A return to trip to Hope Harbor is always greatly anticipated. The fictional small town on the coast of Oregon created by Irene Hannon is a special place. I love the small town vibe, the caring and slightly quirky people, and the wildlife that have a magical quality. Fans of the series will not be

disappointed in book 7, Blackberry Beach. Love is in the air for more than one couple, and the reader will love the realistic struggles that each face to find their happily-ever-after. This is a must-read!

Blackberry Beach focuses on Kat, an incognito actress escaping from Hollywood craziness and Zach, a former high powered businessman turned coffee shop owner. The attraction between the two is immediate, yet Kat has a lot of decisions to make that potentially will keep them apart. While the reader may not be able to identify with Kat’s movie-star life, her struggle with doing what she loves and finding peace in her decisions will resonate. Zach has already found his purpose, and his unselfish advice marks a man of integrity. I liked these two characters very much! A secondary story follows Zach’s recently retired Aunt Stephanie and part-time barista Frank. This late in life romance — the first for Stephanie and second time around for Frank — is a great parallel and contrast to Kat and Zach’s relationship. Being a reader of, ahem, a certain age 😉 , I appreciated the more mature characters’ chance at love.

As always, this book features elements that fans of the Hope Harbor series love — Charley the taco truck owner, seagulls Gladys and Floyd, and sweet treats woven into the book. In the case of Blackberry Beach, Kat’s truffles will make you crave the chocolatey treat! Hannon plans more return trips to Hope Harbor, and I cannot wait!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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LibraryThing member BookDivasReads

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this series. To say I was looking forward to reading the latest release, Blackberry Beach is a bit of an understatement. Sadly, this book just didn't do anything for me. I found it difficult to connect to the characters or the action. In the

past, I've found this author's books something that I could enjoy reading even though I'm not Christian. There was just something about this particular book that I couldn't get past. I struggled to read it over the course of three days and barely made it halfway through the book before finally giving up. Perhaps it just wasn't the right time for me or this just isn't the right book for me. This is the second book by this author that I've struggled to connect with, so I think I'll be giving future books a pass. A bit of a loss for me, as I've previously stated, I've enjoyed previous books in this and other series.

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LibraryThing member Virginia51

I have loved the books that I have read in this series and I think this has been my favorite of all her romance novels. I loved what Kat and Zach figure out for themselves. I also love Stephanie, Frank and Charlie. I even love how the seagulls are worked into the story. I enjoyed that there were

more than one romance in this story. I recommend this to anyone that loves a good, clean romance. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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LibraryThing member Harley0326

One of the wonderful things about this story is how the characters find out what is most important in their lives. Some may think fame and fortune will bring us happiness while others think being successful is more important. As the characters maneuver in Hope Harbor we focus on Katherine and Zach.

I liked how Katherine was introduced into the story with a hint of mystery surrounding her. The author gives us a person who wants to get away from all the responsibilities her life has brought her and rethink her future. Katherine was aloof and I think that is perhaps why I liked her so much. I’m not much into sharing anything personal so I was able to relate to her in that respect.

Zach has changed his career and by doing that has caused his relationship with his father to fracture. What I liked most about Zach was how he was determined to find something that made him happy. His coffee shop is the perfect place for him to unwind and mingle with the townspeople and be content as a store owner.

There is much this book offers in the way of lessons. One of the most important ones is finding your place in live that makes you happy. Allowing yourself to trust others is another key lesson in the story. I think Katherine is a perfect example of learning to trust those around her that want the best for her. Zach feels a stirring inside that draws him to make a choice to reconcile with his dad. This story has emotions that touch your heart and help you see how important it is to follow God’s direction. There are a few other things going on in the story but I won’t ruin it for anyone. This is one of those books that you can feel the turmoil of the characters and watch them as they overcome obstacles to find peace, hope and faith.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Program. The review is my own opinion.

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LibraryThing member Mizroady

This is my second Hope Harbor series book to read and I hope to read all of them!
As I began reading my mind raced back to the previous book and Hope Harbor’s charm and nostalgia. The author has created a place you would want to visit and even live there: the wonderful people, the town’s

businesses and the ocean with its beautiful beaches. I love it!
Being a small community, anyone new is noticed right away (I have lived in places like that). The new comer is young woman that is very guarded and reclusive. She interacts very little with others and wears huge sunglasses to hide her face. Zach Garrett who owns the local coffee shop notices her right away. Fascinated by her secrecy and mysteriousness he finds himself determined to befriend her. He discovers she is renting the beach house next door to him. Perfect! He will stop at nothing to get to know her and her story.
. Some of the characters are at a crossroads in their lives. It takes courage to step out and take a different path from the one you have become accustom to for so long. At first it can seem wrong and uncomfortable. Most of us don’t like change, even for the better. I liked that even though they grappled and even resisted with a new direction because of the unknown, they relied on God to direct them. I could relate to times in my life when God was nudging me to move away from my comfort or not so comfortable zone. The decision each of the individuals stood at the edge of, dealt with new relationships, healing seemingly impossible old ones, and their calling in life. I must admit their grappling with whether they would step out on faith, kept me on the edge of my seat. I kept wondering what they would choose (and what I thought they could choose!). I had trouble putting it down! A wonderful Christian read!
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

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LibraryThing member fcplcataloger

Reading a new Hope Harbor novel is like returning home, after being gone for awhile. Oh, there may be new people in town but familiar faces are still around, and seeing them is like a comforting balm. Two of the newcomers are Zach Garrett and Katherine Palmer, who are both seeking a quieter, easier

way of life, and they end up sharing Blackberry Beach. As they get to know each other, it's apparent that there's so much more that they could share, if they could let go of their past inhibitions.
Irene Hannon has a knack for creating fantastic characters in romantic situations, and Blackberry Beach is no exception. Katherine and Zach experience a strong connection, but there's another special relationship between Zach's aunt and barista, Stephanie and Frank. My heart, however, was claimed once again by one of her recurring characters, Charley from the taco stand. He is always there to offer encouragement, sound advice, and a reminder to believe and trust in God. "He didn't pray for himself, Zach. He prayed for you. Those prayers could be why you're here."
Blackberry Beach is a lovely story that reminds us to remember those we've lost, and to treasure those who remain. I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary romantic fiction with a faith theme running through it.
I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a positive review. I am sharing my own thoughts.

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